Freshman Expo Features 2027 Playmakers
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When kids team up who don’t know each other, without the benefit of any practice and very little structure, it’s a prime opportunity for playmakers to stand out. We saw some good ones at the Prep Hoops Kansas Freshman Showcase…
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Continue ReadingWhen kids team up who don’t know each other, without the benefit of any practice and very little structure, it’s a prime opportunity for playmakers to stand out. We saw some good ones at the Prep Hoops Kansas Freshman Showcase in Kansas City on Sunday.
Here are five 2027s who impressed with their playmaking abilities (in alphabetical order):
Tommy Chapman Tommy Chapman 6'4" Blue Valley Northwest | 2027 KS , 6-foot-4 forward, 2027, Blue Valley Northwest, MoKan:
Chapman stood out at the showcase for the diversity of his game and the heady plays he made in so many facets. He really stood out in transition, using his vision and ball handling, his length and ability to run to create opportunities. He’s aggressive in the open floor, particularly with his passes up the floor to pressure defenses. In the half court set, he attacked the goal and found space for shots, and he also demonstrated a nice shot from deep. He isn’t a big, powerful guy, but he uses his body to shield defenders from the ball. He runs the floor so well, you can miss the fact that he’s 6-foot-4.
Anthony Davis Anthony Davis 6'3" | SF Mill Valley | 2027 KS , 6-foot-1 forward, 2027, Mill Valley, KC Kings Elite:
Davis looked like one of the most versatile players at the showcase. He could be considered a big, physical guard, or a smooth, athletic small forward. He’s got a lot of athleticism, which he uses to make a lot of plays that don’t involve shooting the ball. He gets his hands in the passing lane, blocks shots and grabs an inordinate number of rebounds for a 6-foot-1 guy. When it came to scoring the ball, he showed off some nice finger rolls and releases from different angles, as well as some pump fakes to create space.
Le’Andre Franklin, 5-foot-11 guard, 2027, KC-Washington (pictured):
Before he was slowed by a minor leg injury, Franklin was a smooth, creative customer at the showcase. He plays bigger than 5-foot-11 and likes to get in the lane with the ball. He’s lanky and springy has some explosiveness. He uses his dribble to probe the defense, and he doesn’t get sped up in the paint. He passed the ball well on penetration, unselfishly dishing the ball to teammates. He cut well without the ball, showing some understanding of team basketball.
Avant Riley Avant Riley 5'9" Derby | 2027 KS , 5-foot-9 guard, 2027, Derby, Kansas Players:
One of the most impressive players with the ball in his hands, Riley really popped. At the point in the half court set, he’s really a problem. He has a great handle and can cross over a defender almost at well. He was tough to stop on the dribble, making numerous jump shots that he created himself on penetration. He’s also really good in transition and made some nice deliveries to teammates. On the perimeter, he showed long range.
Liam Tesmer Liam Tesmer 5'9" | PG Bishop Miege | 2027 KS , 5-foot-9 guard, 2027, Bishop Miege, Drive 5:
Somewhat similar to Riley, Tesmer was impressive taking the ball into the defense. He got to shots at the goal repeatedly, and he has got some serious athleticism to finish. He’s not real tall but is physically developed and powerful. He aggressively takes the ball into traffic and finishes at the goal or hits jumpers on the move. He’s a real handful on defense and even blocked shots with his anticipation and explosion.